Washington County Maryland--History

Washington County data on the United States Census, 1850 – 1920

Included to date:
1850- Sharpsburg and Williamsport areas.
1860- Bakersville, Clear Spring, Hancock, Indian Spring, Sandy Hook, Sharpsburg, Tilghmanton, Williamsport areas.
1870- Bakersville, Boonsboro Clear Spring, Fairplay, Indian Spring, Hancock, Keep Tryst, Millstone Point, Rohrersville, Sharpsburg, Sir Johns Run, Weverton, Williamsport, areas.
1880- all areas along and near the canal.

Construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal began in 1828 and the canal opened new sections as it reached a dam and the feeder lock behind it that could provide water to the section of canal below. The first 22 miles between Georgetown and Dam 2 near Seneca opened in 1831, followed by the section to Dam 3 above Harpers Ferry in 1833; to Dam 5 above Williamsport in 1835, to Dam 6 above Hancock in 1839, and finally to Dam 8 at Cumberland in 1850.